Kwankwasiyya Ulama Forum Secretary, 23 others dump NNPP for APC

In a major political shake-up, the Secretary of the Kwankwasiyya Ulama Forum, Yahaya Aliyu, alongside 23 executive members, has defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau confirmed the defection in a statement on his X handle, also revealing that Mahbub Nuhu Wali, brother of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, had joined the ruling party.

“I received the Secretary of Kwankwasiyya Ulama Forum, Malam Yahaya Abdulkadir Aliyu, and 23 executive members of the association into the APC, the largest party in Africa,” Barau stated.

He further disclosed that the defectors discarded their symbolic Kwankwasiyya red caps during their visit to the National Assembly before accompanying him to an event at the A-Class Event Centre, where Atiku Abubakar’s coalition of northern support groups also pledged allegiance to the APC.

Barau assured the new members of inclusivity, stating, “I am a Senator for all, regardless of party affiliation. My doors remain open to everyone willing to join the APC, the people’s party.”

This wave of defections delivers a significant setback to the NNPP, particularly in Kano, where the Kwankwasiyya movement has long been a dominant political force.